Deliciously Crisp Tahini Biscuits: An Easy Sesame Cookie Recipe
For quite some time, I found myself with a couple of jars of tahini lingering in the back of my pantry, much like many home cooks. Beyond the familiar, creamy delight of hummus, I was genuinely unsure how to incorporate this versatile ingredient into my repertoire, especially since its flavor profile on its own isn’t quite to my liking. It often left me pondering: what else could tahini possibly be good for? If you’ve ever been in a similar culinary quandary, you’re certainly not alone! This curiosity ultimately led to a delightful experiment, drawing inspiration from the beloved classic peanut butter biscuit. I reasoned that tahini, being a rich nut (or rather, seed) butter, could function in a similar way. The result? These exquisite sesame biscuits, which, dare I say, I might even prefer to the original peanut butter version!
These tahini biscuits are a revelation – perfectly crisp with an incredibly delicate texture that truly melts in your mouth, leaving behind a subtle yet distinctive sesame flavor. They are an effortless indulgence, perfect for elevating your afternoon tea or coffee, or simply as a comforting treat any time of day. The unique character of tahini, often associated with savory dishes, truly shines in this sweet application, adding depth and a sophisticated nuttiness that is both familiar and excitingly new.
The Wonderful Versatility of Tahini Beyond Hummus
Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. While most commonly known for its role in hummus and baba ghanoush, its potential extends far beyond savory dips. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. In recent years, tahini has found its way into Western kitchens, gaining popularity as a fantastic ingredient for sweet dishes. From rich halva to dressings, cakes, and even ice cream, tahini imparts a unique earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter note that beautifully balances sweetness. Using tahini in baking not only introduces an intriguing flavor but also contributes to a wonderfully moist and tender texture in many baked goods, making it a valuable addition to any baker’s pantry.
Crafting Your Perfect Tahini Biscuits: Quick and Easy
One of the many charms of this recipe is its sheer simplicity and speed. The dough comes together incredibly quickly, requiring minimal effort and no complex techniques. You won’t need to chill the dough for hours, making it an ideal choice for impromptu baking sessions. Furthermore, these biscuits bake in just about twelve to fifteen minutes, meaning you can go from craving a sweet treat to enjoying freshly baked, warm tahini biscuits in under half an hour. This makes them an absolute lifesaver for unexpected guests, a last-minute dessert, or simply when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Enhance Your Tahini Biscuit Experience with Simple Variations
These biscuits are utterly delicious on their own, offering a pure expression of their sesame goodness. However, for those who enjoy a subtle twist, the recipe is wonderfully adaptable. A pinch of ground cinnamon added to the dough before baking would introduce a warm, aromatic note that complements the tahini beautifully, adding an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile. For an even more intense sesame experience and a visually appealing touch, consider rolling the dough balls in a generous coating of sesame seeds before flattening them. This not only amps up the flavor but also provides a delightful textural contrast. Other variations could include a drizzle of melted dark chocolate once cooled, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty kick, or even a hint of orange zest in the dough for a bright, citrusy lift. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these delightful treats to your personal preferences.
Biscuits vs. Cookies: A Transatlantic Conundrum Explained
As a British baker with a diverse international readership, I often find myself navigating the charmingly confusing world of culinary terminology, particularly when it comes to baked goods. The age-old “biscuit or cookie” dilemma is a prime example! In the UK, a “biscuit” is typically a crisp, firm, often relatively thin baked good. Think digestive biscuits, shortbread, or ginger snaps. My personal rule of thumb is: if it’s crisp, it’s a biscuit (unless it’s savory, in which case it’s a cracker). “Cookies,” on the other hand, are very specifically the soft, chewy varieties, almost always featuring chocolate chips, double chocolate, or oatmeal raisin. They tend to be thicker and have a more yielding texture.
Across the Atlantic, the terminology shifts significantly. What Americans refer to as “biscuits” would fall squarely under the banner of “scones” in the UK – those fluffy, leavened quick breads often served with jam and clotted cream. Conversely, most items that a Brit would call a “biscuit” would be known as a “cookie” in America. This cultural difference can lead to amusing misunderstandings, but rest assured, whether you call them tahini biscuits or tahini cookies, their deliciousness remains universally understood. For the sake of clarity and tradition (and because I’m British!), I’ve chosen to label these as biscuits, in line with their crisp, delightful texture. Regardless of the name, these sesame-infused delights promise to be a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire!
Tahini Biscuits
Ingredients
- 110 g (1 stick) softened butter
- 180 g (6 + ⅓ oz) tahini
- 100 g (½ cup) caster (superfine) sugar
- 90 g (½ cup, lightly packed) light brown soft sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 150 g (1 + ¼ cups) plain flour
- ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda baking soda
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F / Gas Mark 4) to ensure it’s at the correct temperature when your dough is ready. Line three baking sheets with greaseproof paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, tahini, caster sugar, and light brown soft sugar. Using an electric mixer, whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is beautifully light, fluffy, and well combined. This aeration process is key for a tender biscuit. Then, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and fragrant base.
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In a separate medium bowl, sift together the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
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Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out small amounts of the dough. Roll each portion into a neat ball between your palms. The dough will be quite soft, but its oily nature from the tahini should prevent it from sticking excessively to your hands. Place the dough balls well spaced apart on your prepared baking trays, as they will spread considerably in the oven.
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For the classic criss-cross pattern, dip the tines of a fork into hot water. Lightly press the back of the fork onto each dough ball to flatten it and create the decorative pattern. Re-dip the fork in hot water after each dough ball to prevent any sticking, ensuring clean and defined marks.
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Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking tray for a couple of minutes – this helps them firm up before handling. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, I often prefer to bake one tray at a time, keeping the remaining dough balls in the fridge while waiting.
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Once the tahini biscuits are completely cold, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them wonderfully crisp and fresh for several days, ready to be enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.
Tips for Baking Flawless Tahini Biscuits
Achieving the perfect tahini biscuit is simple with a few key considerations. Firstly, ensure your butter is genuinely softened, not melted, and your egg is at room temperature. These small details significantly aid in creating a smooth, emulsified mixture that traps air effectively, contributing to a lighter texture. When adding the flour, mix just until no dry streaks remain; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tougher biscuit. Don’t be shy about portioning the dough; uniform sizes ensure all biscuits bake evenly. The trick with the fork is crucial for creating that signature pattern and helping the biscuits flatten consistently. Finally, resist the urge to move them too soon after baking. They are delicate when hot, and a couple of minutes on the warm tray allows them to set sufficiently before transferring to a wire rack. Proper cooling is essential for maintaining their crisp texture.
Storage and Enjoyment
These tahini biscuits store beautifully, making them ideal for baking ahead. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their delightful crispness and fresh sesame flavor for up to a week. They are superb with a hot cup of tea or coffee, providing a moment of calm indulgence. For a slightly different experience, try crumbling them over ice cream or yogurt for a textural contrast, or even dipping them in a glass of cold milk. Their unique flavor also makes them a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Conclusion: A New Favorite Sesame Treat
Embracing tahini in baking has truly opened up a world of delightful possibilities, proving that this humble sesame paste is far more versatile than just a savory staple. These deliciously crisp tahini biscuits are a testament to that versatility, offering a unique flavor experience that is both sophisticated and comforting. Their ease of preparation and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an instant favorite, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey. I hope this recipe inspires you to explore the sweet side of tahini and discover the subtle elegance it brings to your baked goods. Give them a try, and you might just find your new go-to biscuit recipe!
I am sharing these with Totally Talented Tuesdays, Create Link Inspire, Foodie Fridiy, Fiesta Friday and Foodie Friends Friday
